T.I.

As with many hip-hop and rap stars, TI's childhood life was riddled by drugs, crime, and poverty. While serving time in jail for dealing crack, he started writing rhymes, which he later turned into a rap career. Despite being dropped from his label after his first album flopped, he regrouped and took to the streets, and built a large following, culminating in a deal with Atlantic. His career took off, but trouble again followed. He was involved in a barroom fight, that turned into a shootout. Watching his best friend die, TI (Clifford Harris Jr.) then started amassing a collection of firearms, a direction that got him caught in an FBI sting operation. Currently serving one year in prison, he faces 1500 hours of community service, which he says he is looking forward to.moreless